Treat-and-extend intravitreal bevacizumab for branch retinal vein occlusion

Journal article

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and direct medical costs of treat-and-extend (TAE) intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) - associated macular edema (ME). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 52 consecutive patients diagnosed with BRVO-associated ME treated with IVB using a TAE protocol. RESULTS: Mean change in logMAR vision was -0.30 (P < .001), and mean change in central macular thickness was -244.0 μm (P < .001). The mean number of injections was 8.2 (95% CI; 7.8 to 8.6). The yearly average direct cost of the TAE regimen was calculated to be $2,580.26 per patient. CONCLUSION: Treatment of BRVO-associated ME with IVB using a TAE regimen resulted in similar visual outcomes and number of intravitreal injections as did as-needed treatment with 0.5 mg ranibizumab conducted in phase 3 trials but with fewer visits and lower annual medical costs.

Authors: Rush, R; Simunovic, M; Aragon, A; Ysasaga, J

• Publisher: Slack Incorporated
• Journal: Ophthalmic Surgery Lasers and Imaging Retina
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 212-216
• Publication date: 2014-01-01
• DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20140404-01
• EISSN: 2325-8179
• ISSN: 2325-8160
• Language: English